Performance monitoring device, performance monitoring system, and performance monitoring method

ABSTRACT

A performance monitoring device includes a storage section adapted to store information related to a location of a target on the move, a processing section adapted to update the information stored in the storage section, and a notification section adapted to make a notification of information related to a relative position between a user on the move and the target using the updated information related to the location of the target.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a performance monitoring device, a performance monitoring system, and a performance monitoring method.

2. Related Art

In JP-A-2015-132612 (Document 1), there is disclosed an excise performance monitoring device for guiding the user to a home marker, a way point position, or the like using GPS (a global positioning system). There is described use of the excise performance monitoring device in a variety of sports such as walking, running, and triathlon.

Here, swim (swimming) in the triathlon is so-called open water swim, and it is necessary for an athlete to swim straight toward a buoy (e.g., a cylindrical buoy 5 m high) located at each of corner points of a broad course such as a sea or a lake. In many cases, no course rope is disposed in the course of the open water swim, and the athlete visually checks the buoy by heading up during the swim.

However, since the heading up causes much physical loss, many athletes rely on the proceeding direction of other athletes while failing to check the buoy, and as a result, swim toward a wrong direction to waste remarkable physical energy and time.

Here, it is conceivable that if the position of the buoy is registered as a way point to, for example, the exercise performance monitoring device of Document 1, the athlete in swim can correctly be guided in the direction toward the buoy.

However, it has turned up that the buoy installed on the water surface basically floats on the water surface although restrained to the bottom of water with a rope, and is affected by the tide, waves, winds, and so on. Therefore, the buoy is displaced during the swim, and there is a possibility that the athlete is guided in the direction departing from the actual position of the buoy.

SUMMARY

An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide a performance monitoring device, a performance monitoring system, and a performance monitoring method each capable of making a notification of information related to a relative position between the user on the move and a target on the move.

The invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

Application Example 1

A performance monitoring device according to this application example includes a storage section adapted to store information related to a location of a target on the move, a processing section adapted to update the information related to the location of the target stored in the storage section, and a notification section adapted to make a notification of information related to a relative position between a user on the move and the target using the updated information related to the location of the target.

Since the processing section updates the information stored, even in the case in which the location of the target has changed, it is possible to reflect the location of the target changed in the information. Further, since the notification section performs the notification using the information thus updated, it is possible to make a notification of the information of the relative position based on the correct location of the target.

Therefore, the performance monitoring device according to this application example can notify the user of the appropriate information even in the case in which the location of the target has changed.

Application Example 2

The performance monitoring device according to the application example may further include a reception section adapted to receive the information related to the location of the target.

Therefore, the performance monitoring device can obtain the information related to the location of the target with the communication.

Application Example 3

The performance monitoring device according to the application example may further include a positioning section adapted to generate information related to a location of the user.

Therefore, the performance monitoring device can actually measure the location of the user.

Application Example 4

In the performance monitoring device according to the application example, the information related to the relative position may include information representing presence or absence of a difference between a direction from the user toward the target and a moving direction of the user.

Therefore, the performance monitoring device can make a notification of the presence or absence of the difference between the direction to proceed in for the user to proceed toward the target and the actual proceeding direction of the user. Therefore, the user can figure out whether or not the own proceeding direction should be corrected.

Application Example 5

In the performance monitoring device according to the application example, the information related to the relative position may include information representing a direction of the difference.

Therefore, the user can figure out in what direction the own proceeding direction should be corrected in order to proceed toward the target.

Application Example 6

In the performance monitoring device according to the application example, the information related to the relative position may include information representing a distance between the user and the target.

Therefore, the user can figure out the distance (e.g., the distance for the user to move until the user reaches the target) from the user to the target.

Application Example 7

The performance monitoring device according to the application example may be a portable device.

Therefore, the user can take along the performance monitoring device.

Application Example 8

The performance monitoring device according to the present application example may be a wearable device.

Therefore, the user can wear the performance monitoring device on the body or the like.

Application Example 9

The performance monitoring device according to the application example may be a device for swimming.

Therefore, the user can use the performance monitoring device in the swimming (e.g., a swim event).

Application Example 10

In the performance monitoring device according to the application example, the information related to the relative position may include information related to a relative position between the user swimming and the target on the water.

Therefore, the performance monitoring device according to the application example can notify the user swimming of the appropriate information even in the case in which the location of the target on the water has changed.

Application Example 11

A performance monitoring system according to this application example includes a performance monitoring device including a processing section adapted to update the information related to the location of the target stored in the storage section, and a notification section adapted to make a notification of information related to a relative position between a user on the move and the target using the updated information related to the location of the target, and a positioning system adapted to generate the information related to the location of the target.

Since the processing section updates the information stored, even in the case in which the location of the target has changed, it is possible to reflect the location of the target changed in the information. Further, since the notification section performs the notification using the information thus updated, it is possible to make a notification of the information of the relative position based on the correct location of the target. Further, the positioning system can actually measure the location of the target. Therefore, the performance monitoring device can notify the user of more appropriate information by using the location of the target actually measured by the positioning system.

Application Example 12

A performance monitoring method according to this application example includes storing information related to a location of a target on the move, updating the information related to the location of the target stored, and making a notification of information related to a relative position between a user on the move and the target using the updated information related to the location of the target.

In the performance monitoring method according to this application example, since the information stored is updated, even in the case in which the location of the target has changed, it is possible to make the location of the target changed be reflected in the information. Further, in the performance monitoring method according to the application example, since the notification is performed using the information thus updated, it is possible to make a notification of the information of the relative position based on the correct location of the target. Therefore, according to the performance monitoring method related to this application example, it is possible to notify the user of the appropriate information even in the case in which the location of the target has changed.

Application Example 13

A performance monitoring program according to this application example makes a computer perform the steps of storing information related to a location of a target on the move, updating the information related to the location of the target stored, and making a notification of information related to a relative position between a user on the move and the target using the updated information related to the location of the target.

Since the performance monitoring program according to this application example updates the information stored, even in the case in which the location of the target has changed, it is possible to make the location of the target changed be reflected in the information. Further, since the performance monitoring program according to this application example performs a notification using the information thus updated, it is possible to make a notification of the information of the relative position based on the correct location of the target. Therefore, according to the performance monitoring program related to this application example, it is possible to notify the user of the appropriate information even in the case in which the location of the target has changed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers reference like elements.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a schematic example of a performance monitoring system.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the performance monitoring system.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of course information.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a transmission process by a buoy terminal.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a delivery process by a management terminal.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a reception process by a user terminal.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of swim navigation by the user terminal.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the crawl.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example (without deviation) of a notification in a display section.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example (with deviation) of the notification in the display section.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example (in the case in which the direction to proceed in is the front direction of the user) of a notification in a goggle-type display section.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example (in the case in which the direction to proceed in is a direction toward the left shoulder of the user) of the notification in the goggle-type display section.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example (with significant deviation) of the notification in the goggle-type display section.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Some preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in detail using the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below do not unreasonably limit the contents of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Further, all of the constituents described below are not necessarily essential elements of the invention.

1. Performance Monitoring System 1-1. Outline of Performance Monitoring System

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a performance monitoring system. Here, the case in which the performance monitoring system (hereinafter simply referred to as a “system”) is applied to swim events of a triathlon meet will be described as an example.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system according to the present embodiment includes a management terminal 1A, buoy terminals 1B (each an example of a positioning system), and user terminals 1C (each an example of a performance monitoring device).

The management terminal 1A is, for example, a terminal device fixed at a start point S of the swim events. At the start point S, there are facilities such as a gate SG located by the host of the triathlon meet and a mat SM for measurement. Accordingly, the management terminal 1A can be configured as a part of those facilities, or can be located independently of those facilities. It is desirable that at least the installation destination of the management terminal 1A is adjacent to the point through which the entrants of the swim events must pass. Incidentally, the gate SG or the mat SM located at the start point S is provided with a function (a function of an RF (radio frequency) tag reader) of reading RF tags TG mounted on the bodies of the entrants of the triathlon meet. The RF tag reader is what is used for the measurement of lap time or the like of each of the entrants, and is located at the start point of every event of the triathlon meet.

The buoy terminals 1B are each a terminal device fixed to the buoy BY (an example of the target) indicating the corner point of a course 100C (here, a course via a sea and a sandy beach is assumed) of the swim event. Although each of the buoys BY is loosely fixed to the sea bottom via a rope not shown, since the height of the sea surface can change due to the change of the tide level, there is a possibility that the position in a horizontal plane of each of the buoys BY and the position in a vertical direction of the buoy BY are changed with time. It should be noted that the buoy terminal 1B is provided with a waterproof function, and even when exposed to the weather or seawater, the buoy terminal 1B can operate. Further, it is assumed here that the number of the corner points in the course 100C, namely the number of the buoys BY is “3” (the first buoy BY-1, the second buoy BY-2, and the third buoy BY-3), and the number of the buoy terminals 1B is “3.”

The user terminals 1C are each a portable information terminal, which can be carried by one (hereinafter referred to as a “user 2”) registered in advance as a user of the system according to the present embodiment out of the entrants of the triathlon meet. It is assumed here that the user terminal 1C is a wearable terminal mounted on the body of the user 2. It should be noted that in order to make the use in the swim event possible, the user terminal 1C is provided with a waterproof function, and even when exposed to the weather, freshwater, or seawater, the user terminal 1C can operate. In other words, the user terminal 1C is configured as a device for the swim (swimming).

Here, the user terminal 1C can be configured integrally with the RF tag TG mounted on the ankle or the like of the user 2, but it is assumed hereinafter that the user terminal 1C is mounted on the wrist as a region the user 2 can visually check if needed (i.e., it is assumed that the user terminal 1C has a shape of a wristwatch or a wristband) as shown in FIG. 1. The number of the user terminals 1C is equal to the number of the users 2 registered.

In the system described hereinabove, at least the management terminal 1A and the buoy terminals 1B can wirelessly communicate with each other, and the management terminal 1A and the user terminals 1C can wirelessly communicate with each other. It is assumed hereinafter that the communication between the management terminal 1A and the buoy terminals 1B is bidirectional communication, and the communication between the management terminal 1A and the user terminals 1C is unidirectional communication (broadcast communication) using the management terminal 1A as the transmission source.

It should be noted that although the details of a communication device in the present system will be described later, it is preferable for the present system to use a communication device causing no interference with at least communication of other systems (e.g., a system using the RF tag TG and the RF tag reader) installed by the host of the triathlon meet, or a frequency band causing no interference therewith.

1-2. Outline of User Actions

Hereinafter, an outline of actions of the user 2 will be described.

The user 2 inputs a start instruction to the user terminal 1C via an operation section 150 c of the user terminal 1C before reaching the start point S of the swim event. Thus, the reception of course information (described later) transmitted from the management terminal 1A to the user terminal 1C becomes possible. It should be noted that the timing at which the user 2 inputs the start instruction to the user terminal 1C can also be the start time of, or a time point before the start time of the triathlon race, or the like.

Then, when the user 2 passes through the start point S of the swim event, the user 2 runs toward a first corner (the first buoy BY-1), enters the sea on the way, and then starts swimming with a relatively fast stroke such as crawl at the moment when the water depth becomes sufficient.

When the user 2 passes through the start point S (or enters the sea), the user terminal 1C starts the process of a swim navigation described later, and then starts guiding the user 2 in a direction toward the first corner (the first buoy BY-1). The “guide” mentioned hear denotes a function of the swim navigation described later. The details of the swim navigation will be described later.

Subsequently, when the user 2 rounds the outside of the first corner (the first buoy BY-1), the user terminal 1C starts guiding the user 2 in a direction toward a second corner (the second buoy BY-2).

Then, the user 2 swims from the vicinity of the first corner (the first buoy BY-1) toward the second corner (the second buoy BY-2).

Subsequently, when the user 2 rounds the outside of the second corner (the second buoy BY-2), the user terminal 1C starts guiding the user 2 in a direction toward a third corner (the third buoy BY-3).

Then, the user 2 swims from the vicinity of the second corner (the second buoy BY-2) toward the third corner (the third buoy).

Subsequently, when the user 2 rounds the outside of the third corner (the third buoy BY-3), the user terminal 1C starts guiding the user 2 in a direction toward a goal point (the start point S) of the swim event.

Then, the user 2 swims from the vicinity of the third corner (the third buoy BY-3) toward the goal point (the start point S), then starts running when the water depth becomes shallow, and then passes through the goal point (the start point S). When the user passes through the start point S, the user terminal 1C automatically stops the guide.

Then, after the user 2 passes through the goal point (the start point S) of the swim event, the user 2 inputs a termination instruction to the user terminal 1C via the operation section 150 c of the user terminal 1C. It should be noted that the timing at which the user 2 inputs the termination instruction to the user terminal 1C can also be the ending time of, or a time point after the ending time of the triathlon race, or the like.

1-3. Configuration of Performance Monitoring System

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining a configuration of the system. It should be noted that since the buoy terminals 1B are the same in configuration as each other, and the buoy terminals 1C are the same in configuration as each other (but are different in terminal ID from each other), a single buoy terminal 1B and a single buoy terminal 1C are shown in FIG. 2.

1-3-1. Configuration of Buoy Terminal

The buoy terminal 1B is configured including a GPS sensor 110 b, a processing section 120 b, a storage section 130 b, a timer section 160 b, a communication section 190 b, a battery 191 b, and so on. It should be noted that it is also possible for the configuration of the buoy terminal 1B to be obtained by eliminating or changing some of the constituents, or to be obtained by adding other constituents.

The GPS sensor 110 b of the buoy terminal 1B is a sensor for generating positioning data (data such as latitude, longitude, altitude, and velocity vector) representing the position of the buoy terminal 1B and so on and outputting the positioning data to the processing section 102 b of the buoy terminal 1B, and is configured including, for example, a GPS receiver. The GPS sensor 110 b receives an electromagnetic wave in a predetermined frequency band coming from the outside with a GPS antenna not shown to extract the GPS signal from the GPS satellite, and at the same time, generates the positioning data representing the position of the information terminal 1 and so on base on the GPS signal.

The processing section 120 b (a processor) of the buoy terminal 1B is formed of, for example, a micro processing unit (MPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processing section 120 b performs a variety of processes in accordance with programs stored in the storage section 130 b and instructions received from the management terminal 1A.

The storage section 130 b of the buoy terminal 1B is formed of, for example, one or more integrated circuit (IC) memories, and includes a read only memory (ROM) storing data such as the programs, and a random access memory (RAM) functioning as a working area of the processing section 120 b. It should be noted that the RAM includes a nonvolatile RAM.

The timer section 160 b of the buoy terminal 1B is formed of, for example, a real time clock (RTC) IC, and generates the time data such as year, month, day, hour, minute, and second to transmit the time data to the processing section 120 b.

The communication section 190 b of the buoy terminal 1B performs a variety of types of control for establishing the communication between the buoy terminal 1B and the management terminal 1A. The communication section 190 b is configured including a transceiver compliant with a near field communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) (including BTLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)), Wi-Fi (registered trademark) (Wireless Fidelity), Zigbee (registered trademark), near field communication (NFC), or ANT+ (registered trademark).

The battery 191 b of the buoy terminal 1B is, for example, a rechargeable battery for supplying electrical power to each of the constituents constituting the buoy terminal 1B. As a charge mode of the battery 191 b, there can be adopted, for example, wireless charging and wired charging. Further, the battery 191 b can be a replaceable battery or can also be a photovoltaic battery.

1-3-2. Configuration of Management Terminal

The management terminal 1A is configured including a processing section 120 a, a storage section 130 a, an operation section 150 a, a timer section 160 a, a display section 170 a, a communication section 190 a, a battery 191 a, and so on. It should be noted that it is also possible for the configuration of the management terminal 1A to be obtained by eliminating or changing some of the constituents, or to be obtained by adding other constituents.

The processing section 120 a (a processor) of the management terminal 1A is formed of, for example, a micro processing unit (MPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processing section 120 a performs a variety of processes in accordance with programs stored in the storage section 130 a and instructions input from the operation section 150 a.

The storage section 130 a of the management terminal 1A is formed of, for example, one or more integrated circuit (IC) memories, and includes a read only memory (ROM) storing data such as the programs, and a random access memory (RAM) functioning as a working area of the processing section 120 a. It should be noted that the RAM includes a nonvolatile RAM.

The operation section 150 a of the management terminal 1A is constituted by, for example, buttons, keys, a microphone, a touch panel, a voice recognition function (using a microphone not shown), and an action detection function (using an acceleration sensor or the like not shown), and performs a process of converting an instruction from the host (which can be the same as the host of the triathlon meet, and is hereinafter referred to as a “host”) of the system according to the present embodiment into an appropriate signal, and then transmitting the signal to the processing section 120 a.

The timer section 160 a of the management terminal 1A is formed of, for example, a real time clock (RTC) IC, and generates the time data such as year, month, day, hour, minute, and second to transmit the time data to the processing section 120 a.

The display section 170 a of the management terminal 1A is formed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, an electrophoretic display (EPD), or a touch-panel display, and displays a variety of images in accordance with instructions from the processing section 120 a. It should be noted that as the display section 170 a, a head mounted display (HMD) disposed separately from the management terminal 1A can also be used.

The communication section 190 a of the management terminal 1A performs a variety of types of control for establishing the communication between the management terminal 1A and the user terminal 1C, and the communication between the management terminal 1A and the buoy terminal 1B. The communication section 190 a is configured including a transceiver compliant with a near field communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) (including BTLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)), Wi-Fi (registered trademark) (Wireless Fidelity), Zigbee (registered trademark), near field communication (NFC), or ANT+(registered trademark).

The battery 191 a of the management terminal 1A is, for example, a rechargeable battery for supplying electrical power to each of the constituents constituting the management terminal 1A. As a charge mode of the battery 191 a, there can be adopted, for example, wireless charging and wired charging. Further, the battery 191 a can be a replaceable battery or can also be a photovoltaic battery.

1-3-3. Configuration of User Terminal

The user terminal 1C is configured including a GPS sensor 110 c (an example of a positioning section), a geomagnetic sensor 111 c, an atmospheric pressure sensor 112 c, an acceleration sensor 113 c, an angular velocity sensor 114 c, a pulse sensor 115 c, a temperature sensor 116 c, a processing section 120 c (an example of a computer), a storage section 130 c, an operation section 150 c, a timer section 160 c, a display section 170 c (an example of a notification section), a sound output section 180 c (an example of the notification section), a communication section 190 c (an example of the notification section), a battery 191 c, and so on. It should be noted that it is also possible for the configuration of the user terminal 1C to be obtained by eliminating or changing some of the constituents, or to be obtained by adding other constituents (e.g., a humidity sensor and an ultraviolet sensor).

The GPS sensor 110 c of the user terminal 1C is a sensor for generating positioning data (data such as latitude, longitude, altitude, and velocity vector) representing the position of the user terminal 1C and so on and outputting the positioning data to the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C, and is configured including, for example, a GPS (global positioning system) receiver. The GPS sensor 110 c receives an electromagnetic wave in a predetermined frequency band coming from the outside with a GPS antenna not shown to extract the GPS signal from the GPS satellite, and at the same time, generates the positioning data representing the position of the information terminal 1 and so on base on the GPS signal.

The geomagnetic sensor 111 c of the user terminal 1C is a sensor for detecting the geomagnetic vector representing the direction the magnetic field of the earth viewed from the user terminal 1C, and generates the geomagnetic data representing, for example, magnetic flux density in three axial directions perpendicular to each other. As the geomagnetic sensor 111 c, there is used, for example, a magnet resistive (MR) element, a magnetic impedance (MI) element, and a hall element.

The atmospheric pressure sensor 112 c of the user terminal 1C is a sensor for detecting the surrounding pressure (atmospheric pressure), and includes a pressure-sensitive element of a mode (vibration mode) of using, for example, a variation in resonant frequency of the vibrator element. The pressure-sensitive element is a piezoelectric vibrator formed of a piezoelectric material such as a quartz crystal, lithium niobate, or lithium tantalate, and a tuning-fork vibrator, a double tuning-fork vibrator, an AT vibrator (a thickness-shear vibrator), and an SAW resonator, for example, can be applied. It should be noted that the output (the atmospheric pressure data) of the atmospheric pressure sensor 112 c can also be used for correcting the positioning data.

The acceleration sensor 113 c of the user terminal 1C is an inertial sensor for detecting the acceleration in each of the three axial directions intersecting with (ideally perpendicular to) each other, and then outputting a digital signal (acceleration data) corresponding to the levels and the directions of the triaxial acceleration thus detected. It should be noted that the output of the acceleration sensor 113 c can also be used for correcting the positional information included in the positioning data of the GPS sensor 110 c in the user terminal 1C.

The angular velocity sensor 114 c of the user terminal 1C is an inertial sensor for detecting the angular velocity in each of the three axial directions intersecting with (ideally perpendicular to) each other, and then outputting a digital signal (angular velocity data) corresponding to the levels and the directions of the triaxial angular velocity thus measured. It should be noted that the output of the angular velocity sensor 114 c can also be used for correcting the positional information included in the positioning data of the GPS sensor 110 c in the user terminal 1C.

The pulse sensor 115 c of the user terminal 1C is a sensor for generating a signal representing the pulse of the user to output the signal to the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C, and includes, for example, a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED) light source for emitting measurement light having an appropriate wavelength toward subcutaneous blood vessels, and a light receiving element for detecting a variation in intensity of the light generated in the blood vessels in accordance with the measurement light. It should be noted that by processing the intensity variation waveform of the light (the pulse wave) using a known method such as frequency analysis, the pulse rate (the number of pulses per minute) can be measured. It should be noted that as the pulse sensor 115 c, instead of a photoelectric sensor constituted by the light source and the light receiving element, it is possible to adopt an ultrasonic sensor for detecting the contraction of the blood vessel using an ultrasonic wave to measure the pulse rate, or to adopt a sensor for making a week current flow from an electrode through the body to measure the pulse rate, and so on.

The temperature sensor 116 of the user terminal 1C is a thermosensor for outputting a signal (e.g., a voltage corresponding to the temperature) corresponding to the ambient temperature. It should be noted that the temperature sensor 116 c can also be a device for outputting a digital signal corresponding to the temperature.

The processing section 120 c (a processor) of the user terminal 1C is formed of, for example, a micro processing unit (MPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processing section 120 c performs a variety of processes (an example of a performance monitoring method) in accordance with programs (an example of the performance monitoring method) stored in the storage section 130 c and instructions input from the operation section 150 c. The process by the processing section 120 c includes data processing on the data generated by the sensors such as the GPS sensor 110 c, the geomagnetic sensor 111 c, the atmospheric pressure sensor 112 c, the acceleration sensor 113 c, the angular velocity sensor 114 c, the pulse sensor 115 c, the temperature sensor 116 c, the timer section 160 c, display processing for displaying an image on the display section 170 c, sound output processing for making the sound output section 180 c output a sound, a communication processing for performing communication with an external device via the communication section 190 c, a power control processing for supplying each section with the electrical power from the battery 191 c, and so on.

The storage section 130 c of the user terminal 1C is formed of, for example, one or more integrated circuit (IC) memories, and includes a read only memory (ROM) storing data such as the program (an example of the performance monitoring program), and a random access memory (RAM) functioning as a working area of the processing section 120 c. It should be noted that the RAM includes a nonvolatile RAM.

The operation section 150 c of the user terminal 1C is constituted by, for example, buttons, keys, a microphone, a touch panel, a voice recognition function (using a microphone not shown), and an action detection function (using an acceleration sensor 113 c and so on), and performs a process of converting an instruction from the user into an appropriate signal, and then transmitting the signal to the processing section 120 c.

The timer section 160 c of the user terminal 1C is formed of, for example, a real time clock (RTC) IC, and generates the time data such as year, month, day, hour, minute, and second to transmit the time data to the processing section 120 c. It should be noted that the time data can appropriately be corrected based on the time information included in the positioning data.

The display section 170 c of the user terminal 1C is formed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, an electrophoretic display (EPD), or a touch-panel display, and displays a variety of images in accordance with instructions from the processing section 120 c. It should be noted that as the display section 170 c, a head mounted display (HMD) disposed separately from the user terminal 1C can also be used.

The sound output section 180 c of the user terminal 1C is formed of, for example, a speaker, a buzzer, or a vibrator, and generates a variety of sounds (including vibrations) in accordance with instructions from the processing section 120 c. It should be noted that as the sound output section 180 c, a bone-conduction device disposed separately from the user terminal 1C can also be used.

The communication section 190 c of the user terminal 1C performs a variety of types of control for establishing the communication between the user terminal 1C and the management terminal 1A. The communication section 190 c is configured including a transceiver compliant with a near field communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) (including BTLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)), Wi-Fi (registered trademark) (Wireless Fidelity), Zigbee (registered trademark), near field communication (NFC), or ANT+ (registered trademark).

The battery 191 c of the user terminal 1C is, for example, a rechargeable battery for supplying electrical power to each of the constituents constituting the user terminal 1C. As a charge mode of the battery 191 c, there can be adopted, for example, wireless charging and wired charging (charging with a cradle or the like). Further, the battery 191 c can be a replaceable battery or can also be a photovoltaic battery.

1-4. Course Information

In the storage section 130 a of the management terminal 1A, there is stored information (course information) related to the course of the swim event. The course information (an example of the information related to the position of the target) is registered in advance by the host via the operation section 150 a of the management terminal 1A before the triathlon meet is held. It should be noted that the information related to the position of the target (the buoy) can include the information of the position itself of the target (the buoy), or can also include the information representing the position of the target (the buoy), the information obtained from the position of the target (the buoy), and so on. Here, as an example, there is cited the case in which the information related to the position of the target (the buoy) includes the position coordinate of the target (the buoy) and the measurement time of the position coordinate.

It should be noted that at least a part (at least the position coordinates of the plurality of buoy terminals 1B) of the course information is appropriately updated (rewritten) by the processing section 120 a of the management terminal 1A during the triathlon meet. Therefore, the storage destination of the course information is set to a rewritable memory (e.g., a nonvolatile RAM) in the storage section 130 a. Further, it is assumed hereinafter that the terminal ID of each of the buoy terminals 1B has been transmitted to the management terminal 1A due to, for example, a pairing process performed between the buoy terminal 1B and the management terminal 1A before the triathlon meet.

FIG. 3 shows an example of representing the course information by a data table. As shown in FIG. 3, the course information includes (1) the number (way point number) of each of the points (the way points) constituting the course, (2) an ID (terminal ID) of the terminal set at each of the way points, (3) the position coordinates of the terminals, and (4) the positioning time of the position coordinates. Hereinafter, (1) the way point numbers, (2) the terminal ID, (3) the position coordinates of the terminals, and (4) the positioning time of the position coordinates will be described in order.

(1) Way Point Numbers

It is assumed that the way points are the points constituting the swim course 100C, namely five points of the start point, the first corner, the second corner, the third corner, and the goal point. The way point numbers are the numbers, namely “1,” “2,” “3,” “4,” and “5,” assigned in the order in which the user must go through the five way points.

(2) Terminal ID

The terminal ID is an ID of the terminal located at each of the five way points.

Since the terminal located at the start point is the management terminal 1A, the terminal ID of the management terminal 1A is assigned to the way point number “1.”

Since the terminal located at the first corner (the first buoy BY-1) is the buoy terminal 1B, the terminal ID of the buoy terminal 1B is assigned to the way point number “2.”

Since the terminal located at the second corner (the second buoy BY-2) is the buoy terminal 1B, the terminal ID of the buoy terminal 1B is assigned to the way point number “3.”

Since the terminal located at the third corner (the third buoy BY-3) is the buoy terminal 1B, the terminal ID of the buoy terminal 1B is assigned to the way point number “4.”

Since the terminal located at the goal point (the start point S) is the management terminal 1A, the terminal ID of the management terminal 1A is assigned to the way point number “5.”

(3) Position Coordinate

The position coordinates are the position coordinates of the respective terminals (the management terminal 1A and the buoy terminals 1B) included in the course information. In the example shown in FIG. 3, there are shown the latitude (x), the longitude (y), and the altitude (z). The altitude can be eliminated.

The position coordinate corresponding to the way point number “1” is the position coordinate of the management terminal 1A. Since the installation destination of the management terminal 1A is on land, there is no possibility for the position coordinate of the management terminal 1A to change during the triathlon meet. It is assumed that basically, there is no chance for the position coordinate to be rewritten during the triathlon meet.

The position coordinate corresponding to the way point number “2” is the position coordinate of the buoy terminal 1B located at the first buoy. Since the installation destination of the buoy terminal 1B is the buoy (the first buoy) on the water, there is a possibility for the position coordinate of the buoy terminal 1B to change during the triathlon meet. Therefore, the position coordinate is appropriately rewritten (updated) by the processing section 120 a.

The position coordinate corresponding to the way point number “3” is the position coordinate of the buoy terminal 1B located at the second buoy. Since the installation destination of the buoy terminal 1B is the buoy (the second buoy) on the water, there is a possibility for the position coordinate of the buoy terminal 1B to change during the triathlon meet. Therefore, the position coordinate is appropriately rewritten (updated) by the processing section 120 a.

The position coordinate corresponding to the way point number “4” is the position coordinate of the buoy terminal 1B located at the third buoy. Since the installation destination of the buoy terminal 1B is the buoy (the third buoy) on the water, there is a possibility for the position coordinate of the buoy terminal 1B to change during the triathlon meet. Therefore, the position coordinate is appropriately rewritten (updated) by the processing section 120 a.

The position coordinate corresponding to the way point number “5” is the position coordinate of the management terminal 1A. Since the installation destination of the management terminal 1A is on land, there is no possibility for the position coordinate of the management terminal 1A to change during the triathlon meet. It is assumed that basically, there is no chance for the position coordinate to be rewritten during the triathlon meet.

(4) Location Measurement Time

The positioning time denotes the time when the position coordinate is generated.

As described above, since the position coordinate of the management terminal 1A does not change during the triathlon meet, the positioning times corresponding respectively to the way point numbers “1,” “5” are the same time as the time (before the triathlon meet) when, for example, the course information is registered in the storage section 130 a.

In contrast, since there is a possibility for the position coordinate of the buoy terminal 1B to change during the triathlon meet, the positioning times corresponding respectively to the way point numbers “2,” “3,” and “4” are each the latest positioning time. Specifically, the communication section 190 a of the management terminal 1A according to the present embodiment receives the position coordinates from the three buoy terminals 1B in a sequential manner, and the processing section 120 a of the management terminal 1A updates the corresponding part of the course information stored in the storage section 130 a at the timing at which the communication section 190 a receives the position coordinate. On this occasion, the processing section 120 a writes the positioning time received together with the position coordinate in the corresponding part of the course information.

1-5. Operation of System 1-5-1. Operation Flow of Buoy Terminal

FIG. 4 shows a flow of the transmission process by the buoy terminal 1B. Hereinafter, the steps shown in FIG. 4 will be described in order.

Firstly, the processing section 120 b of the buoy terminal 1B waits (N in S31) until the communication section 190 b of the buoy terminal 1B receives the start instruction from the management terminal 1A.

Subsequently, when receiving the start instruction (Y in S31), the processing section 120 b of the buoy terminal 1B starts the process (S33) of determining whether or not the time to measure the location has come. It should be noted that the times to measure the location are set, for example, at predetermined time intervals. The time intervals are set to, for example, 1 second. It should be noted that in the case in which it is hoped that the sea will be calm on the day of the triathlon meet, and so on, it is possible for the time intervals to be set to 10 minutes, or to be set to 30 minutes. Incidentally, if the time intervals are set longer to decrease the frequency of the positioning, the power consumption of the buoy terminal 1B can be saved.

Then, in the process (S33) of performing the determination, in the case in which the time to measure the location has come (Y in S33), the processing section 120 b of the buoy terminal 1B starts a location transmission process (S35, S37), and in the case in which the time to measure the location has not come (N in S33), the processing section 120 b skips the location transmission process (S35, S37) to start an ending determination process (S39).

When the location transmission process (S35, S37) is started, firstly, the processing section 120 b of the buoy terminal 1B drives the GPS sensor 110 b of the buoy terminal 1B to obtain (S35) the positioning data.

Then, the processing section 120 b of the buoy terminal 1B generates the data (position coordinate data) of a predetermined format obtained by adding the positioning time and the terminal ID to the position coordinate included in the positioning data, and then transmits (S37) the data to the management terminal 1A via the communication section 190 b of the buoy terminal 1B. It should be noted that the processing section 120 b in the present step S37 can omit the transmission to the management terminal 1A in the case in which the variation from the previous value of the positioning coordinate is smaller than a threshold value.

It should be noted that the position coordinate included in the position coordinate data is the position coordinate included in the latest positioning data generated by the GPS sensor 110 b of the buoy terminal 1B (the same applies hereinafter), the positioning time included in the position coordinate data denotes the time when the positioning data is generated, and the terminal ID included in the position coordinate data denotes the terminal ID of the present buoy terminal 1B.

Then, in the ending determination process (S39), the processing section 120 b of the buoy terminal 1B determines (S39) whether or not the communication section 190 b of the buoy terminal 1B has received the termination instruction from the management terminal 1A.

Then, in the case in which the termination instruction has not been received (N in S39), the processing section 120 b of the buoy terminal 1B returns to the process (S33) of determining whether or not the time to measure the location has come, and in the case in which the termination instruction has been received (Y in S39), the processing section 120 b of the buoy terminal 1B ends the flow.

1-5-2. Delivery Process by Management Terminal

FIG. 5 shows a flow of a delivery process by the management terminal 1A. Hereinafter, the steps shown in FIG. 5 will be described in order.

Firstly, the processing section 120 a of the management terminal 1A determines (1S) whether or not the start instruction has been input from the host, and in the case in which the start instruction has not been input from the host, the processing section 120 a waits for the start instruction (N in Si). It should be noted that the input of the start instruction is performed via the operation section 150 a of the management terminal 1A.

Subsequently, when the start instruction is input from the host (Y in Si), the processing section 120 a of the management terminal 1A transmits (S3) the start instruction to all of the buoy terminals 1B (here the three buoy terminals 1B) registered in the course information (FIG. 3) of the management terminal 1A. It should be noted that the transmission of the start instruction is performed via the communication section 190 a.

Then, the processing section 120 a of the management terminal 1A starts a determination process (S5) on whether or not the position coordinate data from either one of the buoy terminals 1B has been received.

In the determination process (S5), in the case in which the processing section 120 a of the management terminal 1A has received the position coordinate data from either one of the buoy terminals 1B (Y in S5), the processing section 120 a starts an update process (S7) of the course information, and in the case in which the processing section 120 a has not received the position coordinate data (N in S5), the processing section 120 a starts a determination process (S9) on whether or not the delivery time has come.

In the update process (S7), the processing section 120 a of the management terminal 1A updates the course information in the management terminal 1A based on the position coordinate data thus received. Specifically, the processing section 120 a of the management terminal 1A recognizes the terminal ID included in the position coordinate data, and rewrites the position coordinate associated with the terminal ID among the course information with the position coordinate included in the position coordinate data. Further, the processing section 120 a of the management terminal 1A rewrites the positioning time associated with the terminal ID in the course information with the positioning time included in the position coordinate data.

In the determination process (S9), the processing section 120 a of the management terminal 1A determines whether or not the time to deliver the course information has come. It should be noted that the times to deliver the course information are set, for example, at predetermined time intervals. The time intervals are set to, for example, 1 second. It should be noted that in the case in which it is hoped that the sea will be calm on the day of the triathlon meet, and so on, it is possible for the time intervals to be set to 10 minutes, or to be set to 30 minutes. Incidentally, if the time intervals are set longer to decrease the frequency of the location measurement, the power consumption of the buoy terminal 1B can be saved.

Then, in the case in which the time to perform the delivery has come (Y in S9), the processing section 120 a of the management terminal 1A starts the delivery process (S11), and in the case in which the time to perform the delivery has not come (N in S9), the processing section 120 a of the management terminal 1A skips the delivery process (S11) to start an ending determination process (S13).

In the delivery process (S11), the processing section 120 a of the management terminal 1A transmits (delivers) the latest course information toward the plurality of user terminals 1C with a predetermined format.

In the ending determination process (S13), the processing section 120 a of the management terminal 1A determines whether or not the termination instruction from the host has been input via the operation section 150 a.

Then, in the case in which the termination instruction has not been input (N in S13), the processing section 120 a of the management terminal 1A returns to the process (S5) of determining whether or not the position coordinate data has been received, and in the case in which the termination instruction has been received (Y in S13), the processing section 120 a of the management terminal 1A ends the flow.

1-5-3. Reception Process by User Terminal

FIG. 6 shows a flow of a reception process (an example of the performance monitoring method) by the user terminal 1C. It should be noted that the flow of the reception process is performed in parallel to a flow of the swim navigation described later.

Firstly, the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C waits in the case in which the start instruction is not input from the user (N in S21). It should be noted that the input of the start instruction is performed via the operation section 150 c of the user terminal 1C.

Subsequently, if the start instruction is input from the user (Y in S21), the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C determines (S23) whether or not the course information has been received from the management terminal 1A. It should be noted that the reception of the course information is performed via the communication section 190 c. It should be noted that in the present step, it is also possible to apply a method (described later) of limiting the reception of the course information to only when needed.

Then, in the case in which the course information is received from the management terminal 1A (Y in S23), the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C starts an update process (S25) of the course information, and in the case in which the course information has not been received from the management terminal 1A (N in S23), the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C skips the update process (S25) to start an ending determination process (S27).

In the update process (S25), the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C writes the course information thus received in the storage section 130 c of the user terminal 1C. It should be noted that in the case in which the course information has already been stored in the storage section 130 c of the user terminal 1C, the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C overwrites (updates) the existing course information with the course information thus received. Further, in the case in which the course information having already stored in the storage section 130 c and the course information thus received are the same as each other, the update process (S25) can be omitted.

In the ending determination process (S27), the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C determines whether or not the termination instruction from the user has been input via the operation section 150 c.

Then, in the case in which the termination instruction has not been input (N in S27), the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C returns to the determination process (S23) on whether or not the course information has been received, and in the case in which the termination instruction has been received (Y in S27), the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C ends the flow.

1-5-4. Swim Navigation by User Terminal

FIG. 7 shows a flow of the swim navigation (an example of the performance monitoring method) by the user terminal 1C. It should be noted that the flow of the swim navigation is performed in parallel to a flow of the reception process described above. It should be noted that the “swim navigation” is an abbreviation of “navigation for swim.”

Firstly, the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C performs a process (S41) of swim start determination to determine whether or not the swim event has been started. The details of the swim start determination will be described later.

In the case in which it has been determined that the swim event has been started (Y in S41), the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C starts a measurement start process (S43), and in the case in which it has been determined that the swim event has not been started (N in S41), the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C waits for the swim event to start.

In the measurement start process (S43), the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C starts driving the GPS sensor 110 c, the geomagnetic sensor 111 c, and other sensors of the user terminal 1C (it should be noted that some of the sensors are not required to be driven depending on the user setting). For example, the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C starts acquisition of the positioning data of the GPS sensor 110 c, acquisition of the geomagnetic data generated by the geomagnetic sensor 111 c, and acquisition of other data. Among these data, the positioning data includes the coordinate of the present position of the user terminal 1C and the proceeding direction (the velocity vector) of the user terminal 1C, and the geomagnetic data represents the present posture (orientation) of the user terminal 1C. Further, when the drive of the sensors including the GPS sensor 110 c and the geomagnetic sensor 111 c begins, the positioning data, the geomagnetic data, and other data start to be acquired at the predetermined time intervals (e.g., intervals of 1 second). Hereinafter, the position coordinate included in the latest positioning data (an example of the information related to the position of the user) is referred to as a “present position coordinate,” the proceeding direction included in the latest positioning data is referred to as a “present proceeding direction” (an example of the moving direction of the user), the posture of the user terminal 1C represented by the latest geomagnetic data is referred to as a “present posture.”

Then, the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C refers to the largest way point number included in the course information presently stored in the storage section 130 c of the user terminal 1C, and then sets the largest value Nmax of the way point number N to be used in the present flow to be equal to the way point number thus referred to. Further, at the beginning of the present flow, the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C sets (S45) the way point number N to be used in the present flow to an initial value of “1,” and then starts the navigation process (S47 through S55).

In the navigation process (S47 through S55), firstly, the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C refers (S47) to the position coordinate associated with the way point number (N+1) out of the course information presently stored in the storage section 130 c of the user terminal 1C. The position coordinate is the position coordinate of the way point (i.e., the (N+1)-th way point) to which the user is headed at the present moment.

Then, the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C generates the navigation information based on the position coordinate of the (N+1)-th way point and the present position coordinate, and then notifies (S49) the user of the navigation information. The details of the type of the navigation information and the notification method of the navigation information will be described later.

Then, the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C refers to the position coordinate associated with the way point number (N+1) out of the course information presently stored in the storage section 130 c of the user terminal 1C to determine whether or not the present position coordinate belongs to the predetermined distance range centered on the position coordinate thus referred to, and thus, determines (S51) whether or not the user arrives at the (N+1)-th way point.

In the case in which the user has not arrived at the (N+1)-th way point (N in S51), the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C returns to the process (S47) of referring to the position coordinate, and in the case in which the user has arrived at the (N+1)-th way point (Y in S51), the processing section 120 c starts an increment process (S53).

In the increment process (S53), the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C increments the way point number N to be used in the present flow by “1,” and then starts the notification process (S55) of lap information.

In the notification process (S55) of the lap information, the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C notifies the user of the lap information of the section from the (N−1)-th way point to the N-th way point. The lap information includes, for example, moving time (the lap time) in the section, the in-water time (swim time) in the section, average moving speed (lap pace) in the section, the average heart rate (lap heart rate) in the section, and so on. It should be noted that the notification process (S55) of the lap information can be performed at arbitrary timing or can be omitted providing the user has arrived at the N-th way point.

Then, the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C determines (S57) whether or not the way point number N to be used in the present flow has reached Nmax, and in the case in which the way point number N has reached Nmax (Y in S57), it is assumed that the user has reached the goal (the start point S) to end the flow, and in the case in which the way point number N has not reached Nmax (N in S57), the navigation process (S47 through S55) is resumed.

It should be noted that in the flow described hereinabove, the order of the steps can be changed in the range possible.

Further, since it is necessary for the user to pass through the outside (the outside of the corner point) of each of the way points other than the start point S (the goal point) when moving in the swim course 100C, it is also possible for the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C in the process (S51) of determining the arrival to determine which one of the outside and the inside of the (N+1)-th way point the user has passed through, and to issue an alert or the like to the user 2 in the case of the inside. The alert is issued via, for example, the display section 170 c or the sound output section 180 c.

Further, although in the flow described hereinabove, the measurement start timing (S43) is set to timing after starting the swim (Y in S41), it is also possible to set the data acquisition start timing by at least one sensor to timing before starting the swim (N in S41). On that occasion, the start timing of the data acquisition due to the sensor can be the timing at which the user is located short of the start point of the swim event, or the timing at which the user is located at the start point of the swim event. Further, for example, it is also possible to set the start timing of the acquisition of the data necessary for generating the navigation information to the timing after starting the swim (e.g., the timing of entering the water), to set the start timing of the acquisition of the data necessary for generating the lap information to the timing at which the user is located at the start point.

1-5-5. Swim Start Determination in Swim Navigation

For the swim start determination, there can be used, for example, either of the following determination methods (1) through (7).

(1) Determination by User Operation

At the timing when the user is located at the start point S, or the timing when the user enters the water, the user inputs the fact to the user terminal 1C via the operation section (performs the button operation or the like). The processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C assumes the timing when the input occurs as the swim start timing. Since there is no possibility of erroneous determination, the determination accuracy is high compared to the determination using a sensor. It should be noted that it is possible to use a mode selection operation (e.g., a measurement mode, a swim mode, and triathlon mode) instead of the input described above.

(2) Determination by Location

The processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C assumes the timing when the present position coordinate of the user terminal 1C belongs to a predetermined distance range from the start point S as the swim start timing. It should be noted that on that occasion, the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C is required to start to drive the GPS sensor 110 c in advance.

(3) Determination on Entry to Water by Reception Environment

The processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C drives the GPS sensor 110 c in advance, and assumes the timing when the reception condition of the GPS signal becomes worse (the timing when the time during which the GPS signal cannot be received exceeds a threshold value) as the swim start timing (the timing of the entry to the water).

(4) Determination on Entry to Water by Atmospheric Pressure

The processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C drives the atmospheric pressure sensor 112 c in advance, and assumes the timing when the atmospheric pressure detected by the atmospheric pressure sensor 112 c exceeds a threshold value as the swim start timing (the timing of the entry to the water).

(5) Determination on Entry to Water by Inertial Sensor

The processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C drives the inertial sensor (at least one of the acceleration sensor 113 c and the angular velocity sensor 114 c), and assumes the timing when a characteristic waveform appears in the output of the inertial sensor, as the swim start timing (the timing at which the user starts swimming). The characteristic waveform denotes a waveform generated when the user swims with a predetermined stroke such as crawl.

(6) Determination on Entry to Water by Water Sensing

A water sensor is installed in the user terminal 1C in advance. The processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C drives the water sensor in advance, and assumes the timing when the water sensor detects water as the swim start timing (the timing of the entry to the water).

(7) Determination by Combination

The processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C performs the determination using a combination of at least two of the determination methods (1) through (6). By combining the two or more of the determination methods, the accuracy of the determination can be improved.

1-5-6. Types of Navigation Information

As the navigation information (the information related to the relative position), it is possible to adopt at least the following information (1). Further, it is possible to add the following information (2) to the following information (1).

(1) Direction to Proceed in

The information represents the direction (an example of the direction from the user toward the target) for the user to proceed in in order to reach the (N+1)-th way point with the shortest route (a straight route). The processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C calculates the difference (the direction of the difference vector) between the position coordinate of the (N+1)-th way point and the present position coordinate to thereby calculate the direction for the user to proceed in in order to reach the (N+1)-th way point.

(2) Remaining Distance (Example of Distance Between User and Target)

The information represents the distance for the user to move until the user reaches the (N+1)-th way point with the shortest route (the straight route). The processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C calculates the difference (the magnitude of the difference vector) between the position coordinate of the (N+1)-th way point and the present position coordinate to thereby calculate the remaining distance for the user to move until the user reaches the (N+1)-th way point. The remaining distance can also be the magnitude of the distance between the position coordinate (the target, the target point) of the way point and the present position coordinate (the user, the user terminal), or a proportion or a rate of the remaining distance to the total length of the course or the distance between the two way points.

1-5-7. Notification Method of Navigation Information

As the notification method of the navigation information, it is possible to adopt, for example, at least one of the following methods (1) through (3).

(1) Notification of Direction to Proceed in

There is described a method of making the display section 170 c display the direction to proceed in with an arrow. The processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C generates an arrow image (an image to be displayed on a display screen) indicating the direction to proceed in based on the direction to proceed in (the direction with reference to the axis of the earth) and the present posture (the posture with reference to the axis of the earth) of the user terminal 1C, and then display the arrow image on the display section 170 c.

It is assumed here that the user 2 checks the display section 170 c when stretching the arm forward in the crawl stroke as shown in FIG. 8. Although FIG. 8 shows the condition in which the arm not attached with the user terminal 1C is stretched forward, the arm wearing the user terminal 1C is stretched to the front of the user 2 at the subsequent timing. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are conceptual diagrams, which show an example in which the user 2 checks the display section 170 c when the arm wearing the user terminal 1C is stretched forward, and are viewed from vertically above. It should be noted that in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the display section 170 c is shown schematically.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the case in which the direction for the user 2 to proceed in and the present proceeding direction of the user 2 are not different from each other, the direction in which the arm of the user 2 is stretched and the direction indicated by the arrow image coincide with each other.

In contrast, as shown in FIG. 10, in the case in which the direction for the user 2 to proceed in and the present proceeding direction of the user 2 are different from each other, it results that the direction in which the arm of the user 2 is stretched and the direction indicated by the arrow image become different from each other.

It should be noted that since the user 2 cannot watch the display section 170 c carefully during the swim, it is desirable for the image displayed on the display section 170 c to be simple. Therefore, it is effective only to display a single arrow image indicating the direction to proceed in as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10.

Further, in the case in which the geomagnetic sensor 111 c (or the acceleration sensor 113 c) is not installed in the user terminal 1C, and so on, since the user terminal 1C does not recognize the present posture (the posture with reference to the axis of the earth) of the user terminal 1C, it is also possible for the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C to assume, for example, the 3 o'clock direction (the direction toward the middle finger of the user 2) in the case of assuming the display section 170 c as the 12-hour dial as the present proceeding direction of the user 2 to generate the arrow image.

Further, it is also possible for the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C to make the display section 170 c display other images indicating the direction such as an index image, a triangular image, a dot image, a straight line image, or a dotted line image instead of the arrow image.

(2) Display of Both of Direction to Proceed in and Present Proceeding Direction

There is described a method of making the display section 170 c display each of the direction to proceed in and the present proceeding direction with an arrow. The processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C generates an arrow image (an image to be displayed on a display screen) indicating the direction for the user 2 to proceed in based on the direction for the user to proceed in (the direction with reference to the axis of the earth) and the present posture (the posture with reference to the axis of the earth) of the user terminal 1C, and then display the arrow image on the display section 170 c. Further, the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C generates an arrow image (an image to be displayed on a display screen) indicating the present proceeding direction based on the present proceeding direction and the present posture (the posture with reference to the axis of the earth) of the user terminal 1C, and then display the arrow image on the display section 170 c.

It should be noted that since the user cannot watch the display section 170 c carefully during the swim, it is desirable for the image displayed on the display section 170 c to be simple. Therefore, it is also possible only to display the two arrow images respectively indicating the direction to proceed in, and the present proceeding direction.

Further, in the case in which the geomagnetic sensor 111 c (or the acceleration sensor 113 c) is not installed in the user terminal 1C, and so on, since the user terminal 1C does not recognize the present posture (the posture with reference to the axis of the earth) of the user terminal 1C, it is also possible for the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C to assume, for example, the 3 o'clock direction (the direction toward the middle finger of the user 2) in the case of assuming the display section 170 c as the 12-hour dial as the present proceeding direction of the user 2 to generate the arrow image.

It should be noted that it is also possible to use other images indicating the direction such as an index image, a triangular image, a dot image, a straight line image, or a dotted line image instead of the arrow image.

(3) Notification of Direction Difference

There is described a method of making the display section 170 c display a direction of a difference between the direction to proceed in and the present proceeding direction.

The processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C displays the distinctions between the case in which the direction to proceed in is on the left shoulder side of the user with respect to the present proceeding direction, the case in which the direction to proceed in is on the right shoulder side of the user, and the case in which the direction to proceed in is the front direction of the user using at least one of (i) the shape, (ii) the color, (iii) the luminance, (iv) a time variation pattern of the shape, (v) a time variation pattern of the color, and (vi) a time variation pattern of the luminance of the image presently displayed on the display section 170 c (an example of the information representing the direction of the difference).

(4) Notification of Degree of Direction Difference

There is described a method of notifying the user of the fact (an example of the information representing the presence or absence of the difference) that the level of the difference between the direction to proceed in and the present proceeding direction exceeds a predetermined threshold value in the case in which the level of the difference between the direction to proceed in and the present proceeding direction exceeds the predetermined threshold value in the notification methods (1) through (3).

The processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C switches, for example, at least one of (i) the shape, (ii) the color, (iii) the luminance, (iv) a time variation pattern of the shape, (v) a time variation pattern of the color, and (vi) a time variation pattern of the luminance of the image presently displayed on the display section 170 c in the case in which the level (angular difference) of the difference between the direction to proceed in and the present proceeding direction exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

(5) Notification of Remaining Distance

There is described a method of additionally notifying the user of the remaining distance in either of the notification methods (1) through (4).

The processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C changes, for example, at least one of (i) the shape, (ii) the color, (iii) the luminance, (iv) a time variation pattern of the shape, (v) a time variation pattern of the color, and (vi) a time variation pattern of the luminance of the image presently displayed on the display section 170 c in accordance with the remaining distance (an example of the information representing the distance between the user and the target, which can also be referred to as the information representing the remaining distance from the user to the target, or the information representing the degree of the remaining distance).

For example, if the arrow image is thinned as the remaining distance decreases, the shorter the remaining distance is, the thinner the arrow image becomes, and therefore, it is conceivable that the deviation of the direction becomes easy for the user to check.

1-6. Functions and Advantages of Embodiment

As described hereinabove, the user terminal 1C according to the present embodiment includes a storage section 130 c for storing the course information (FIG. 3) related to the locations of the buoys on the move, the processing section 120 c for updating the course information (FIG. 3) thus stored, and the display section 170 c and the sound output section 180 c for making the notification of the navigation information related to the relative positions between the user on the move and the buoys on the move using the course information (FIG. 3) thus updated.

Since the processing section 120 c updates the course information (FIG. 3) stored in the storage section 130 c, even in the case in which the locations of the buoys are changed, the locations of the buoys thus changed can be reflected in the course information. Further, since the display section 170 c and the sound output section 180 c makes a notification using the course information thus updated, it is possible to notify the user of the information of the relative positions with reference to the correct locations of the buoys. Therefore, it is possible for the user terminal 1C to correctly guide the user even in the case in which the locations of the buoys are changed.

2. Modified Examples 2-1. Limitation on Reception Period of Course Information

In the system according to the embodiment described above, if the user terminal 1C receives all of the course information delivered, the power consumption and the burden of the communication time of the user terminal 1C are significant. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power or the burden of the time in the user terminal 1C by limiting the period for the user terminal 1C to receive the course information. As the reduction method, the following method can be adopted.

(1) The user terminal 1C receives the course information at a point within a predetermined range from the start point S (receives the course information in the case in which the present position coordinate is adjacent to the start point S). (2) The user terminal 1C receives the course information in the case in which the elapsed time from the previous reception time exceeds a threshold value, but otherwise does not receive the course information. It should be noted that the threshold value is set to, for example, about 5 minutes through 10 minutes. It should be noted that in the case in which it is expected that the buoy moves significantly, the threshold value is set shorter (about 1 minute) (the buoy moves roughly 10 m in some cases). (3) The user terminal 1C starts the reception of the course information 60 minutes through 30 minutes before the estimated time when the swim event starts. It should be noted that taking the preparation for the swim event and so on into consideration, it is desirable that the reception is available from a time point before the estimated time. Further, in some cases, an in-water standby state lasts for about 15 minutes. Therefore, it is desirable for the start time of the reception to be set to a time point earlier than the estimated time.

2-2. Device on Course Information

In the present system, by devising the format of the course information, the burden on the user terminal 1C can be reduced.

For example, the management terminal 1A configures the course information to be delivered toward the user terminals 1C with two types of data (pilot data, main data) arranged in a time series manner.

Among these data, the pilot data includes, for example, the latest update time of the course information, and an update flag. The update flag is a flag representing whether or not the position coordinate of at least one of the way points of the course information is updated after the previous delivery of the course information.

On the other hand, the main data includes, for example, the course information. The course information is as described above (see FIG. 3).

Then, the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C receives the pilot data first. In the case in which the update flag has been set to ON, the processing section 120 c compares the update time (the update time of the course information in the user terminal 1C) of the course information in the storage section 130 c of the user terminal 1C and the update time (the update time of the course information to be delivered) included in the pilot data with each other. The processing section 120 c receives the main data in the case in which the update time of the course information included in the pilot data is later than the update lime of the course information in the user terminal 1C, but does not receive the main data in other cases.

It should be noted that in the system according to the present embodiment, the communication standard used for the delivery of the pilot data and the communication standard used for the delivery of the main data can be different from each other. For example, it is possible for the management terminal 1A to deliver the pilot data with a beacon, and deliver the main data with Wi-Fi (registered trademark) (Wireless Fidelity).

2-3. Control of Reception Frequency of Course Information

Further, it is also possible for the user terminal 1C to obtain data representing the tidal movement to control the reception frequency of the course information so that the headier the tidal movement is, the higher the reception frequency of the course information becomes (the narrower the time intervals of the reception becomes).

For example, the user terminal 1C stores the tidal table or the estimation data of the tide in the storage section 130 c in advance, and then sets the reception frequency of the course information based on such data. For that purpose, it is sufficient for the user to download such data from a server (in Japan, the server of Japan Coast Guard) in a network such as the Internet to the storage section 130 c of the user terminal 1C.

Further, even if such detailed data does not exist, it is also possible for the user terminal 1C to previously retain the data showing the degree of the tide level variation such as the day of spring tide and the day of neap tide in a simplified manner to set the reception frequency to a relatively high frequency on the day of spring tide, and set the reception frequency to a relatively low frequency on the day of neap tide.

Further, since the tidal difference of the sea where the swim course 100C is disposed is also represented by the tidal table, it is also possible for the user terminal 1C to set the reception frequency in accordance with the degree of the tidal difference on the day of the triathlon meet. For example, the user terminal 1C sets the number of times of reception to one at the beginning if the tidal difference on the day of the meet is smaller than 1 m, sets the reception frequency to, for example, a frequency of once every two hours if the tidal difference on the day is in a range of 2 m through 3 m, and sets the reception frequency to, for example, a frequency of once every hour if the tidal difference on the day is in a range of 3 m through 5 m.

Further, in the case in which the user terminal 1C can use more detailed data, it is possible for the user terminal 1C to switch the reception frequency of the course information between a time zone high in tidal variation and a time zone low in tidal variation in the day of the triathlon meet.

Further, as the data of the tidal difference of the sea, it is possible to use the data measured by, for example, a tide gauge or a GPS wave gauge. Alternatively, it is also possible that a tide level measurement function is installed in at least one of the buoy terminals 1B in advance, and in the case in which the tide level variation exceeds a threshold value, the buoy terminal 1B delivers the information (the information of the fact that the tide level variation occurs) of the fact to the user terminals 1C via the management terminal 1A. On that occasion, the information of the fact can also be carried on the pilot data described above.

Further, in the system according to the present embodiment described above, it is possible to suppress the power consumption by limiting the period for the user terminal 1C to receive and then update the course information only to a period before starting the swim.

It should be noted that although the example of controlling the frequency of the user terminal 1C to receive the course information is described here, it is also possible to control the frequency of the management terminal 1A to deliver the course information in a similar manner.

2-4. Differentiation by Protocol of Course Information

It is possible for the host of the system according to the embodiment described above to keep the transmission format of the course information nonpublic to thereby limit the user terminals 1C capable of receiving the course information only to the user terminals 1C of particular users.

Further, it is also possible for the host of the system according to the embodiment described above to use a key for the course information in accordance with the security requirement. For example, it is also possible to use a public key cryptosystem to allow only the user terminals 1C of the users 2 provided with a secret key to decode the course information.

2-5. Prior Delivery of Course Information

Although the system according to the embodiment described above delivers the course information on the site of the triathlon, it is also possible to provide the basic course information (the course information as designed) to the user in advance on the website or the like prior to the triathlon meet. Further, it is also possible for the user to make the user terminal 1C download the course information in advance. The course information downloaded in advance in the user terminal 1C is updated on the triathlon site if needed.

If the course information is provided in advance as described above, it is possible for the user to check the swim course on the smartphone or the personal computer (PC).

Further, the course information provided in advance can be the course information the same in format as the course information provided on the site of the triathlon meet, or can also be the course information as map data (image data). It should be noted that it is desirable to include the names of the variety of way points in the course information as the map data.

2-6. Assist Information Other than Course Information

In the system according to the embodiment described above, it is assumed that the information to be delivered from the management terminal 1A to the user terminal 1C is the information (the course information) related to the swim course. The course information is a kind of assist information for assisting the navigation (navigation in a broad sense) by the user terminal 1C. Therefore, in the system according to the embodiment described above, it is possible to include information other than the course information to the assist information.

For example, in the present system, a GPS sensor can be installed in the management terminal 1A in advance, and the management terminal 1A can deliver the ephemeris (trajectory information) of the GPS satellite captured by the positioning of the GPS sensor, the pseudo distance, an initial position (i.e., the position coordinate of the start point S) obtained by the GPS sensor, and so on to the user terminals 1C together with the course information. According to this process, it is possible for the GPS sensor of the user terminal 1C of the individual user to start positioning and so on on the advantageous conditions. Further, it is also possible to suppress the power consumption of the user terminal 1C of the individual user.

Further, it is also possible to include information of the height of the wave and so on in the assist information. Regarding the height of the wave, although it is difficult for the user 2 to check the height of the wave during the swim, if the user 2 can check the information of the height of the wave before the swim event, the user 2 can foresee the fatigue in the swim event, which is advantageous.

2-7. Positioning of Buoy Terminal

Although in the system according to the embodiment described above, positioning of the buoy terminals 1B is performed by the GPS sensors, it is also possible to adopt use of a variety of types of satellite positioning systems, and a combination of a plurality of systems besides the GPS sensors. It is also possible to combine the carrier wave phase positioning and so on to thereby increase the positioning accuracy.

Further, as the positioning system, there can also be used a system other than the GPS (satellite positioning). For example, a variety of types of wireless positioning (e.g., Loran-C) can also be used, and it is also possible to combine such positioning with the GPS. Further, it is also possible to perform the positioning by image analysis from the land.

Further, it is also possible that the position coordinate obtained when installing the buoy terminal 1B in the buoy is stored in the buoy terminal 1B in advance, a sensor is mounted on the buoy terminal 1B, and positioning of the buoy terminal 1B is performed using the inertial navigation based on the output of the sensor. As the sensor, an acceleration sensor, an orientation sensor, an angular velocity sensor, or the like can be used.

Further, the location of the buoy at the moment when installing the buoy terminal 1B can be measured as the location of the ship for performing the installation operation or the installer. Alternatively, it is also possible to use the installation location (design location) of the buoy in the swim course designed by the host of the triathlon meet without modification.

Further, by reducing the frequency of the positioning by the buoy terminal 1B, the power consumption of the buoy terminal 1B can be suppressed. For example, it is also possible to detect the displacement of the buoy with the acceleration sensor, the geomagnetic sensor, and so on, and to limit the timing when performing positioning only to the case in which the buoy terminal 1B moves equal to or more than a certain distance.

Further, it is also possible for the buoy terminal 1B to store the high tide time and the low tide time in advance, set the positioning intervals to be shorter (e.g., 5 through 10 minutes) in 1 through 2 hours before and after the high tide time and the low tide time, and set the positioning intervals to be longer (e.g., 30 minutes through 1 hour) in other time zones.

Further, when the wind generated in the swim course 100C is strong, the displacement of the buoy becomes large. Therefore, it is also possible to use an anemometer to set the positioning intervals to be shorter when the wind is strong, and set the positioning intervals to be longer when the wind is weak. Further, it is also possible to determine the delivery intervals of the data by the buoy terminal 1B similarly to the positioning intervals.

Further, instead of measuring the wind in the swim course 100C, it is also possible to measure the height of the wave in the swim course 100C based on the GPS altitude (the altitude information included in the positioning data) of the buoy terminal 1B, and set at least one of the positioning intervals and the delivery intervals in accordance with the height. On that occasion, since the higher the wave is, the higher the possibility that the buoy is displaced is, it is sufficient to set the positioning intervals or the delivery intervals to be narrower.

Further, it is sufficient for the measurement of the wind or the wave to be performed at least after the triathlon meet begins. For example, it is possible to start the measurement 90 minutes through 60 minutes before the triathlon meet. On that occasion, the buoy terminal 18B can store the estimated time for starting, or the management terminal 1A can instruct the buoy terminal 1B to start the measurement (transmit the position coordinate).

2-8. Shape of User Terminal

Although in the system according to the embodiment described above, it is assumed that the shape of the user terminal 1C is a list type, it is also possible to adopt a goggle (the head mounted display) shape, or it is also possible to use a head mounted display as the display section 170 c of the user terminal 1C.

In the case of using the goggle as the display section 170 c or the user terminal 1C, it is also possible for the user terminal 1C to display at least one of the following information (1) through (4).

(1) Distance to Way Point

(2) Time (Predicted Time) to Way Point

(3) Distance to Goal

(4) Time (Predicted Value) to Goal

Further, the goggle for display can also be used as a goggle for swimming.

FIG. 11, FIG. 12, and FIG. 13 show an example of the case of using the goggle for swimming as the display section 170 c of the user terminal 1C.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the notification in the case in which the direction to proceed in is the front direction of the user 2. FIG. 11 shows the appearance of the user 2 viewed from the front (the same applies to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13). FIG. 12 shows an example of the notification in the case in which the direction to proceed in is the direction toward the left shoulder of the user 2. FIG. 13 shows an example of the notification in the case in which the direction to proceed in is the direction toward the left shoulder of the user 2, and the deviation of the present proceeding direction is larger than the deviation shown in FIG. 12.

If the notification to the user 2 with the display on the goggle as described above, it is possible for the user 2 to perform checking without heading up, and therefore, exhaustion of the physical energy can be minimized.

It should be noted that although the example of displaying the arrow image is shown in FIG. 11, FIG. 12, and FIG. 13, it is obvious that other display configurations can be adopted. It is also possible to, for example, dispose lights (lighting fittings) at a plurality of places of the goggle in advance, and to notify the user 2 of the direction with the lighting position of the lights in the goggle.

2-9. Configuration of User Terminal

In the system according to the embodiment described above, some of the functions of the user terminal 1C can be disposed separately from the user terminal 1C. For example, it is possible to arrange that the antenna (for the GPS or the communication) of the user terminal 1C can be attached to the cap or the belt of the goggle attached to the user, or it is possible for the display section 170 c to be disposed separately from the user terminal 1C.

Further, for example, the functions other than the display section 170 c out of the user terminal 1C can also be mounted of the RF tag mounted on the ankle of the user 2.

Further, notification of the information to the user 2 can be made using the sound output section 180 c (including a speaker, a vibrating motor, and so on), or it is also possible to combine those devices with the display section 170 c.

Further, in the case of performing the notification of the information to the user with the vibration, “correct direction,” “deviated rightward,” and “deviated leftward” can be expressed using respective vibration patterns different from each other.

Further, in the case of performing the notification of the information to the user with the vibration, it is possible to express “correct direction” by “no vibration,” “deviated rightward” by “single vibration,” and “deviated leftward” by “double vibration.”

Further, in the case of performing the notification of the information to the user with the vibration, it is possible to express “correct direction” by “single vibration,” “deviated rightward” by “vibration longer than in the correct direction,” and “deviated leftward” by “vibration shorter than in the correct direction.”

Further, since other entrants are also swimming around the user in the swim event, the sound is hard to hear compared to the diving and a swimming pool. Therefore, it is conceivable that it is desirable to perform the notification of the information to the user with visual display. However, if the notification is performed with a sound, it is desirable to use a bone-conduction system (known to the public as a swimming music player or the like). Further, it is also possible to use a sound output device shaped like an earplug.

Further, in the case of performing the notification to the user with display, the necessity of providing the limitation on the notification time is low. However, in the case of performing the notification to the user with a sound, it is possible to provide the limitation on the notification time. For example, it is possible to perform the notification at regular time intervals, or to limit the timing of the notification only to the case in which the deviation occurs, or to limit the timing of the notification to the case in which no deviation occurs.

2-10. Management Terminal

In the system according to the embodiment described above, the installation destination of the management terminal 1A can be a reception of the triathlon meet, a gate in the triathlon site, or the like. It is desirable for the installation destination of the management terminal 1A to be at least a place, through which the user passes through at a time point close to the start time of the triathlon meet, and which has a possibility that the user 2 stays for a certain period of time. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to provide the user 2 with the course information even in the case in which the mat SM does not exist, or in the case in which the user 2 stays around the mat SM for a short period of time.

2-11. Way Point Navigation

The user terminal 1C of the embodiment described above realizes the swim navigation using the output of the GPS sensor 110 c, but it is possible to perform the swim navigation without using the output of the GPS sensor 110 c. For example, it is possible for the user terminal 1C to continue to present the direction of the way point to the user based on the output of the geomagnetic sensor 111 c.

It should be noted that in the case in which the output of the GPS sensor 110 c is not used, the user terminal 1C cannot automatically determine whether or not the user has arrived at the way point. Therefore, it is sufficient for the user to, for example, notify the user terminal 1C of the fact that the user has arrived at the way point at the timing when the user has arrived at the way point. The notification is performed via the operation section 150 c.

2-12. Arrival Determination Etc.

It should be noted that although the user terminal 1C according to the embodiment described above determines whether or not the user has arrived at the way point based on the output of the GPS sensor 110 c, it is also possible to make the determination based on the intensity of the signal generated by the buoy terminal 1B.

Further, it is also possible for the user terminal 1C according to the embodiment described above to personally request the delivery of the course information to the management terminal 1A. Further, it is also possible for the management terminal 1A to perform the delivery of the course information in accordance with the request from the user terminal 1C.

2-13. Variations of System Configuration

The system according to the embodiment described above uses the management terminal 1A, but it is possible to omit the management terminal 1A. In this case, it is sufficient for the user terminal 1C to directly receive the position coordinate and the positioning time delivered by the buoy terminal 1B to update the course information stored in the storage section 130 c of the user terminal 1C. Further, the system according to the embodiment described above uses the management terminal 1A, but it is also possible to perform the communication between the user terminals 1C to transmit and receive the course information. Specifically, the system according to the embodiment described above can be modified to the following variations.

(1) (user terminals)+(buoy terminals)+(management terminal)+(network) (the configuration of the embodiment) (2) (user terminals)+(information terminals (smartphone, PC))+(buoy terminals)+(management terminal)+(network) (3) (user terminals)+(information terminals (smartphone, PC))+(buoy terminals)+(management terminal)+(network)+(server) (the server is used for a look back, advance preparation, transmitting data generation, or delivery) (4) (user terminals)+(buoy terminals)+(management terminal)+(network)+(server) (the management terminal performs the delivery) (5) (user terminals)+(buoy terminals)+(management terminal)+(network)+(server) (the management terminal is the same in function as the buoy terminal; the server performs the delivery) (6) any one of (2) through (5) wherein the user terminals cooperate with each other

2-14. Items (Performance Information) Measured/Recorded by User Terminal

Further, it is also possible for the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C described above to generate and then record at least one of the following user performance data. It should be noted that a part of the user performance data can also be adopted as a measurement item of the swim function (including the measurement of the performance data of the swimming) including the following swim navigation, and another part of the user performance data can also exist together with the swim function as a measurement item of other functions (e.g., a running function) and so on of the user terminal 1C.

Examples of the user performance data are as follows: an exercise distance (a moving distance, an accumulated moving distance), exercise time, exercise time in a predetermined heart-rate zone, the number of steps, the number of strokes, the number of lap strokes, the number of lap steps, a running pace, a running pitch, a length of stride, split time, lap time (defining the position coordinates of the buoy terminals as separators), accumulated increased altitude, accumulated decreased altitude, height above sea level (average altitude of the place of the exercise), gradient, the number of times of training (the number of times of running, the largest value, the average value, and so on), a goal attainment level, a posture (a running posture), a bilateral difference, grounding time, a landing-below-COG ratio, thrust efficiency, a flow of a leg, an amount of landing brake, a landing impact, a heart rate, calorie consumption, oxygen uptake, an amount of sweating, fluid intake, a predicted exercise distance (a moving distance, a predicted accumulated distance) on predetermined conditions, time until a predetermined heart-rate zone is reached, a predicted pace on predetermined conditions, a predicted pitch on predetermined conditions, a predicted length of stride on predetermined conditions, predicted time (lap time, split time) on predetermined conditions, predicted calorie consumption on predetermined conditions, a target automatically generated, an amount of ultraviolet light, water temperature, memories, body temperature, VO₂max, SpO₂ (saturation of peripheral oxygen, an estimate value), a location, a trajectory (look back), user performance data by event, and so on.

2-15. Items (Amount of Activity) Measured/Recorded by User Terminal

Further, it is also possible for the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C described above to generate and then record at least one of the following activity amount data.

Examples of the user activity amount data are as follows: a moving distance, exercise time, the number of strokes, a pace, a heart rate, a sleep period, stress (balance between an excited state and a relaxed state), oxygen uptake, an amount of sweating, fluid intake (manual input by the user), calorie consumption, calorie intake (manual input by the user), calorie balance, body weight (input by the communication with a scale, or manual input by the user), a waist size (manual input by the user), balance between a tense period and a relaxed period (mental balance), a heart rate, a goal attainment level, an amount of ultraviolet light, VO₂max, SpO₂ (saturation of peripheral oxygend, an estimate value), a sleep state (a ratio between, or scores of deep sleep, shallow sleep, good sleep, bad sleep, and so on), and so on.

2-16. Events

In any one of the embodiments described above, there is described the case in which the intended purpose of the system is the swim event of the triathlon. However, the system according to the embodiment can be applied to a variety of sports having a possibility that the target point moves. There can be cited, for example, swimming (open-water swim), triathlon, biathlon (swim-run, swim-bike), yacht, and canoe.

2-17. Sensor

The user terminal 1C of the embodiment described above can use at least one of the variety of sensors described below as a sensor. Specifically, there can be cited an acceleration sensor, a GPS (GNSS) sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a velocity sensor, a heart-rate sensor (e.g., a breast belt), a pulse sensor (a sensor for performing measurement at a place other than the heart), a pedometer, a pressure sensor, an altitude sensor, a temperature sensor (an ambient temperature sensor, a body temperature sensor), a geomagnetic sensor, a scale (used as an external device of the user terminal 1C), an ultraviolet sensor, a sweating amount sensor, a blood-pressure sensor, a saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO₂) sensor, a lactic acid sensor, a blood sugar sensor, a wind speed sensor, and so on.

2-18. Variations of Lap Information

It is also possible for the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C according to the present embodiment to include at least one of the lap time, a lap distance, a lap pace, and a lap heart rate in the lap information to be notified of and recorded. Further, it is also possible to include other lap information. The lap information is obtained by measuring the user performance data (or the user activity amount data) by a lap zone.

2-19. Regarding Data Tallying Method

It is possible for the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C according to the embodiment described above to notify the user of, or record at least one of a representative value (the best value, the worst value) in the lap zone, an sum total in the lap zone, a transition in the lap zone, a proportion in the lap zone, a variation in the lap zone, a variation (largeness or smallness of the fluctuation) in the lap zone, a goal attainment level in the lap zone, a predicted value calculated from the data in the lap zone, a target value calculated from the data in the lap zone, an evaluation result (e.g., a score, a level, and a proportion of the high rating) of the lap zone as at least one piece of lap information besides the average value in the lap zone.

2-20. Regarding Graph Display

It is also possible for the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C according to the embodiment described above to express the data in the lap zone as a numerical value, or to display the data with other types of graphs such as a bar graph or a line graph.

Further, although the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C according to the embodiment described above expresses at least one data with a numerical image, it is also possible to arrange that by the user continuing to hold down (or repeatedly holding down) a predetermined operation button, the numerical images are switched in a time series manner. Alternatively, it is also possible for the processing section 120 c of the embodiment described above to list a plurality of numerical images in a screen to thereby make it possible to read through the transition of the numerical values.

Further, it is also possible for the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C according to the embodiment described above to display at least one data together with the target of that item (the target and the result). Further, in that case, it is also possible for the processing section 120 c to highlight the data in the case in which the data of a certain item has reached the target. Highlighting of the data is performed by changing at least one of the contrast, the luminance, the color, and the saturation of the data, performing reversed display, blinking display, attaching a mark, enlarging the display size of the data, and so on.

Further, it is also possible for the processing section 120 c of the user terminal 1C according to the embodiment described above to display at least one of the combinations of (i) target and result, (ii) result and prediction, (iii) maximum/minimum and average related to at least one item so as to be arranged side by side.

2-21. Regarding Notification Configuration

Further, it is possible for the user terminal 1C to perform the notification of the information to the user by image display, or by sound output, vibration, light, color (light emission of an LED, or a display color of the display), or the like besides the image display, or by a combination of at least two of the image display, the sound output, the vibration, the light, and the color.

2-22. Regarding Customization

Further, it is also possible that at least a part of the notification contents (including a notification period, notification items, a notification configuration, the tallying method, a notification order, and so on) to the user by the user terminal 1C according to the embodiment described above can be set (customized) by the user in advance.

2-23. Regarding Configuration of Apparatus

Further, the user terminal 1C can be configured as a variety of types of portable information apparatus such as a wrist-type electronic apparatus, an earphone-type electronic apparatus, a ring-type electronic apparatus, a pendant-type electronic apparatus, an electronic apparatus attached to a sport instrument when used, a smartphone, a head mounted display (HMD), or a head-up display (HUD).

2-24. Regarding Optional Function

Further, other functions can be installed in the user terminal 1C. Other functions are, for example, a smartphone function known to the public. The smartphone function includes, for example, a telephone function, a mail incoming notification function, a telephone incoming notification function, a communication function, and a camera function.

2-25. Regarding Positioning System

Further, although in the embodiment described above, the GPS (Global Positioning System) is used as the global satellite positioning system, other global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) can also be used. It is also possible to use one or more of the satellite positioning systems such as EGNOS (European Geostationary-satellite Navigation Overlay Service), QZSS (Quasi Zenith Satellite System), GLONASS (GLObal NAvigation Satellite System), GALILEO, and BeiDou (BeiDou Navigation Satellite System). Further, it is also possible to use a satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) such as WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) or EGNOS (European Geostationary-satellite Navigation Overlay Service) as at least one of the satellite positioning systems.

3. Other Issues

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be implemented with various modifications within the scope or the spirit of the invention.

Further, the embodiments and the modified examples described above are illustrative only, and the invention is not at all limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to arbitrarily combine the embodiments and the modified examples described above with each other.

Further, the invention includes configurations (e.g., configurations having the same function, the same way, and the same result, or configurations having the same object and the same advantages) substantially the same as those explained in the description of the embodiments. Further, the invention includes configurations obtained by replacing a non-essential part of the configuration explained in the above description of the embodiments. Further, the invention includes configurations providing the same functions and the same advantage, or configurations capable of achieving the same object, as the configuration explained in the description of the embodiments. Further, the invention includes configurations obtained by adding a known technology to the configuration explained in the description of the embodiments.

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-049584, filed Mar. 14, 2016 is expressly incorporated by reference herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A performance monitoring device comprising: a storage section adapted to store information related to a location of a target on the move; a processing section adapted to update the information related to the location of the target stored in the storage section; and a notification section adapted to make a notification of information related to a relative position between a user on the move and the target using the updated information related to the location of the target.
 2. The performance monitoring device according to claim 1, further comprising: a reception section adapted to receive the information related to the location of the target.
 3. The performance monitoring device according to claim 1, further comprising: a positioning section adapted to generate information related to a location of the user.
 4. The performance monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the information related to the relative position includes information representing a condition of a difference between a direction from the user toward the target and a moving direction of the user.
 5. The performance monitoring device according to claim 4, wherein the information related to the relative position includes information representing a direction of the difference.
 6. The performance monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the information related to the relative position includes information representing a distance between the user and the target.
 7. The performance monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the performance monitoring device is portable.
 8. The performance monitoring device according to claim 7, wherein the performance monitoring device is wearable.
 9. The performance monitoring device according to claim 8, wherein the performance monitoring device is for swimming.
 10. The performance monitoring device according to claim 9, wherein the information related to the relative position includes information related to a relative position between the user swimming and the target on water.
 11. A performance monitoring system comprising: the performance monitoring device according to claim 1; and a positioning system adapted to generate the information related to the location of the target.
 12. A performance monitoring method comprising: storing information related to a location of a target on the move; updating the information related to the location of the target stored; and making a notification of information related to a relative position between a user on the move and the target using the updated information related to the location of the target.
 13. The performance monitoring method according to claim 12, further comprising: receiving the information related to the location of the target.
 14. The performance monitoring method according to claim 12, further comprising: generating information related to a location of the user.
 15. The performance monitoring method according to claim 12, wherein the information related to the relative position includes information representing a condition of a difference between a direction from the user toward the target and a moving direction of the user.
 16. The performance monitoring method according to claim 15, wherein the information related to the relative position includes information representing a direction of the difference.
 17. The performance monitoring method according to claim 12, wherein the information related to the relative position includes information representing a distance between the user and the target.
 18. A performance monitoring device comprising: storing information related to a location of a target on the move; updating the information related to the location of the target stored; and making a notification of information related to a relative position between a user on the move and the target using the updated information related to the location of the target.
 19. The performance monitoring device according to claim 18, further comprising: receiving the information related to the location of the target.
 20. The performance monitoring device according to claim 18, further comprising: generating information related to a location of the user.
 21. The performance monitoring device according to claim 18, wherein the information related to the relative position includes information representing a condition of a difference between a direction from the user toward the target and a moving direction of the user.
 22. The performance monitoring device according to claim 21, wherein the information related to the relative position includes information representing a direction of the difference.
 23. The performance monitoring device according to claim 18, wherein the information related to the relative position includes information representing a distance between the user and the target. 